How I got started: Tina Cordova

Tina Cordova founded roofing and general contracting company Queston Construction in 1990. The woman-owned company is family-operated. Its management team includes Cordova’s husband Russ Steward, co-owner, and David Montoya, Tina’s son from a previous marriage, in commercial sales and estimating. Cordova’s cousin Louis Vigil is a construction manager and estimator at Queston. Cordova’s nephew, Stephen Bennett, ran the company’s residential division until his death in 2008. Queston has 25 employees working jobs in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.

How long have you been in business?

We’ve been in business 22 years.

What was your revenue for 2010?

Virtually the same as for 2011 — $3 million.

What did you do before starting this business?

I had a master’s degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry from New Mexico Highlands University, and I attended medical school at the University of New Mexico, intending to return to my hometown of Tularosa to start a practice. But medical school was significantly more difficult, especially on my marriage, and I got a divorce. I took a leave of absence from my studies, and having a son to raise, I looked for a job. A job as a waitress paid more than teaching at the community college.

How did you come up with the idea for this business?

I met my partner in business and life, Russ Steward (Queston co-owner). I had been at the restaurant about three years and was an area operations supervisor. Russ had owned construction businesses and was working at one when we met. When I decided to leave my secure job, I thought, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I started a small construction company, while Russ stayed working at another. Later, we acquired a roofing company.

How much did it cost to start your business? How did you finance it?

I had $5,000 in savings to start the construction company. We don’t disclose what we paid for the roofing company, but we paid cash for it.

How did you educate yourself about running a business?

When the restaurant I worked at was being sold shortly after I was hired, I offered to help the new owner. The first day at work, he handed me a file box with all kinds of documents. I set up the systems and processes for the restaurant, including payroll, accounts receivable and payables. I realized I had a certain business sense I didn’t know I had.

How did you research the market for your business?

If only it was as simple as following a business plan! Not many small businesses are developed that way, although the Small Business Development Centers can help. I had a grasp of who needed my services. Russ and I discussed it. He had the experience — he had owned and worked in residential and heavy business construction companies. I joined the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. I attended all the after hours events where I could get up and talk about my company. I capitalized on my membership by using the membership list to segment my market and to meet with restaurant owners, commercial realtors and property managers. We also had a Yellow Pages ad.

What has been the worst and the best thing about working in a field generally regarded as male-dominated?

The hardest part is that you have to be on top of your game all the time. You don’t have the luxury of an off day. I have my general contractor’s license. I know my business, and I’ve become a very tough person — it’s necessary for women in our business. You can’t let anyone bully you. You have to have the strength of your convictions if you’re going to survive.

At the same time, I think women take better care of their employees and are less likely to take on debt. We’ve survived the down times because we have little debt and are cautious about growing the business.

What are your growth plans?

We have the flexibility to move in many directions. We found a niche in private, small general contractor jobs, and now we intend to go for government contracts.